Fried Plantains(Tostones De Platanos - Spanish Recipe)
Crispy and savory fried plantains, known as tostones, offer a delightful snack or side with a perfect balance of tender inside and crunchy outside, ideal for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel the plantains and cut into diagonal slices, about 1 inch thick.
- Add salt to the water.
- Soak the plantain slices in salted water for 15 minutes.
- Drain well and deep fry in vegetable oil heated to 350°F for about 7 minutes.
- Remove from the oil and place on absorbent paper.
- Fold the paper over the slices and pound them flat with the palm of your hand.
- Deep fry the flattened slices in oil heated to 375°F until crisp and golden.
- Remove from the oil and drain on absorbent paper.
- Sprinkle lightly with salt before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, choose firm green plantains, as ripe ones will be too soft. If you don’t have vegetable oil, canola or peanut oil work well for frying. To enhance the flavor, consider adding garlic powder or paprika to the saltwater soak. If you want a twist, you can sprinkle some cayenne pepper upon serving for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve tostones alongside a dipping sauce such as garlic sauce or a spicy mayo for an extra flavor boost. They also pair wonderfully with dishes like Creole Grillades With Gravy (New Orleans) or as a side to grilled meats. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Fried plantains are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness, or briefly pan-fry them again in a little oil.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fried Plantains(Tostones De Platanos - Spanish Recipe) contains roughly 1348 calories, with 1g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 136g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (223% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ripe plantains for this recipe?
Ripe plantains are too soft and sweet for tostones, which require firm green plantains for the best texture. If you want to enjoy ripe plantains, try frying them for a different dish, as they make delicious sweet plantain fritters.
How can I make tostones in an air fryer?
To make tostones in an air fryer, prepare the plantains as directed, then preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Fry the first batch for about 8-10 minutes, flatten them, and then return them to the air fryer for an additional 5-7 minutes until crispy.
What can I serve with tostones?
Tostones pair well with a variety of dishes. They are often served with ceviche, grilled chicken, or shrimp. For a vegetarian option, enjoy them with black bean dip or avocado salsa for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).